Encounters in Intercultural Communication: Creativity, Emotion, and Mental Health. Deep Social Connection on Harmony Day and any day.
UN’s International Day of Elimination of Racial Discrimination (Australia’s Harmony Day)
Harmony Week: Beyond Celebration, Towards Conversation
In Australia, Harmony Day is officially celebrated on 21 March, aligning with the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. While many schools and workplaces mark the occasion with orange clothing, shared meals, and cultural performances, the true meaning of Harmony Day extends far beyond symbolic gestures. It is rooted in a commitment to inclusivity, respect, and the recognition that Australia’s strength lies in its cultural diversity.
Anna, a Year 10 student whom I recently met for a mentoring session, reflected thoughtfully on this. Through her research, she discovered that 21 March commemorates the 1960 Sharpeville massacre in South Africa, where 69 peaceful protesters were killed while opposing apartheid laws. The United Nations later designated this date as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination — a global call not just to celebrate diversity, but to confront racial injustice.
Yet, as Anna rightly observed, conversations about Harmony Day in Australia have gradually shifted from anti-racism to multicultural celebration. Celebration is important — but it is not sufficient on its own.
Six decades after Sharpeville, white supremacy has resurfaced in different parts of the world. Recently, news reports revealed that an alleged white supremacist was plotting mass-casualty attacks on Parliament House, WA Police headquarters, and religious buildings before being foiled by police. Such incidents remind us that social cohesion cannot be taken for granted. It requires ongoing effort.
So how do we move beyond slogans like “Everyone Belongs” and turn them into lived reality?
At the Community Flower Studio, we believe one powerful starting point is creating safe spaces for meaningful conversations. The mentoring dialogue I had with Anna is one example. Listening deeply to a young person’s perspective, encouraging research, and discussing difficult histories openly — this is how critical thinking and empathy grow.
At our recent Secret Garden event, we included “Conversation Cards” in the Wellbeing Kit, produced by Step Together (ST), a government department supporting individuals who may be at risk of radicalisation. These tools are designed to help people engage in values-based conversations — not debates to win, but discussions to understand. I attended their training last year, and I am encouraged that many youth workers and community leaders are equipping themselves to facilitate such dialogues. During Youth Week, we will continue this commitment by inviting young people to gather — not just for creative activities, but for shared experiences and open conversations. Our upcoming visit to the Data Dreams: Art & AI exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art
Details and bookings can be found in What’s On in Feb and March? — we hope to see you there.
Reflecting on past events
LNY gathering at Chatswood’s Dougherty Community Centre
Photos of floral arrangements made easy workshop Feb 28
The first Creative Workshop by Young People for Young People took place at Chatswood Youth Centre (CYC) on 28 Feb. Here are some feedback from the young participants:
- Amazing workshop and I had a mile on my face the whole time;
- It was amazing, great way to spend the afternoon;
- Big thank you to all the instructors and helpers, great to do with a friend;
- It was a very calm and enjoyable session, really enjoyable to try out;
- Attend this great workshop, you got to meet new people and do floristry together.
- Arranging the straight-stem style bouquet, I liked the freedom of designing it with all the very pretty colour choice;
- It is a n afternoon well spend, learning a new skill and meeting new friends;
- Come for a fun and memorable experience; This is fun and relaxing.
Our photographer wrote: I enjoyed my afternoon a lot at this FAME (Floral Arrangement made easy) workshop. Just as their photographer. Seeing everyone enjoying themselves, across generations, learning and sharing was a wonderful feeling. Thank you Bibi for trusting me and gifting me the beautiful bouquet.
Feedback from our youth facilitators:
This workshop was wonderful! You did a great job of preparing everything Bibi 🙂 I’m glad to have been there to help. It was nice to meet everyone too (JZ).
Both of them (the Mindfulness floral arrangements at the Secret Garden and the FAME workshop) are great. Though I do believe this one (FAME workshop) was a bit better, maybe because it was my second one (MK).
WHAT’S ON in March – May 2026?
Youth Mentoring Program
Dr Bibiana Chan, CF, and other CFS members in various professions are available to mentor young people, share their work experiences. In-person mentoring sessions will resume from Wed 4th Feb 2026. Topics covered: study skills, time management, goal setting, getting motivated, write a resume that stands out of the crowd, job interviewing skills and assertive communication, etc.
If would like to refer any young people (12 – 30 year) whom you recently started a ‘RUOK?’ conversation to our FREE Youth Mental Health Program, please contact Dr Bibi via email: communityflowerstudio@yahoo.com or call 0412-613-073. Check out KYDS (Free Youth Mental Counselling) for their services. EPIC (Empowering Parents In Crisis) is a community building peer support platform “For parents & carers of young people by parents & carers of young people“.
A new resource: Self-Compassion for Teens
with a page dedicated for the adults caring for their teenagers: resources for the adults
Harmony Week Pop-up Stall on Sat 14th March
Harmony Week will be celebrated from Sat 14/3 to Sun 22/3 with events at many councils. Find out an event near you. If you are local to Willoughby/Chatswood, join Bibi and the pop-up stall team at on Sat 14th Feb to get a beautiful bouquet which gives twice. All net proceeds will fund our Youth Social Prescribing Program. Our petal-it-forward campaign will take a twist by giving away beautiful ‘Pokka Dot plant’. Find us at the corner of Willoughby Rd and French’s Rd, right outside Little Giant Roaster Café.
Together, let’s sow the seed of kindness where so many parts of the world are experiencing man-made conflicts ( and wars). Here is a link to find out the health benefits of receiving (and giving) flowers .
DIY Dried Flower Arrangements Workshop Sat 28th March
To celebrate Harmony Week, CFS is offering 20% discount for attendees over 25 years old. Use discount code ‘HARMONY’ (valid till Harmony Day 21/3). Youth tickets (ages 12–25) remain $10 each. Places are limited. Get your tickets HERE.
Laughter Yoga Autumn Program
Join our 2026 Autumn Program on Tues 17 March. There will be a ‘Harmony Week Celebration’ on Tues 17/3/26 to launch a new term which coincides with Harmony Week 2026.
Curious about Laughter Yoga? The benefits are amazing for both mind and body—but no shortcuts! Daily practice of 10–15 mins for at least 10 days is the key. Attend at least one class and you’ll join our WhatsApp group, where we share check-ins, new laugh exercises, and updates from Dr Kataria’s Daily International Laughter Class. Here is a one minute ‘Giggle Your Stress Away’. Looking forward to laughing with you at the first class in 2026 on 17 March.
CFS Event of the Month for March (online)
Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to consider and vote on a proposed resolution to adopt a more contemporary version of the CFS Constitution.
Date: Thurs 26 March 2026
Time: 7 – 7:30 pm
All members will receive an email from Bibi of the Zoom link to join the EGM and an outline of the details of the proposed changes.
Data Dreaming: Art and AI
It’s Youth Week!
Join us for a thought-provoking exhibition and discussions on a future with AI creeping into our daily life.
📅 Date: Mon, 13 April 2026
🕐 Time: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Venue: MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art), Circular Quay
🚆 Transport: Within 3 minutes walk from Circular Quay Train Station or less than 10 minutes walk from Wynyard Train Station.
💬 Special Feature:
- View the art exhibition ‘Data Dreams: Art and AI’ at MCA.
- Enjoy some brunch at MCA’s ground floor cafe.
- Reflect on what is it like living in a world with AI shooting up everywhere.
- Connect with fellow CFS members and make new friends through open, heartfelt conversations.
If you are a high school student (under 18 yr) or a student (under 25 yr) with valid student cards, get your tickets HERE. If you are young at heart and want to join us, please send an email to Bibi.
New Dried Flower Shadow Box Workshop to be confirmed!
Proposed date: Sat 18 April, 2026.
Time: 1 – 3 pm
Venue: Chatswood Youth Centre.
Watch this space!!!
Mum & Tweens Bonding Through Flowers – Creative Connections for Tweens and Families
To celebrate Mother’s Day in style, CFS offers a unique experience for Tweens and Families. Come as Mum & Daughter duo or Mum & Tween & sibling/friend to learn some simple floral arrangement hacks while creating deeper family bonding. This event is proudly sponsored by Bendigo Bank Lindfield and Rotary Club of Ku-Ring-Gai. Places are limited. Get your tickets HERE
Date: Sat 2 May 2026 (a week before Mother’s Day).
Time: 1 – 3 pm
Venue: Meeting Room 1, Gordon Library.
We are currently seeking an Event Organiser to coordinate these monthly events, each hosted by a different member with prior experience in organizing similar activities. Bibi will soon circulate a Google Doc to create a roster for 2026. We warmly welcome your ideas and suggestions—feel free to email them to Bibi!
mental health podcasts added to CFS webpage. Here is one of them.
Podcast (in Cantonese) on Community Flower Studio’s program to promote ‘Social Connections’ to tackle loneliness.
By Dr Bibiana Chan
If you feel like supporting youth mental health, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to CFS. Your support will help young people learn life skills and find meaningful employment.
Michelle Benson published in LinkedIn an article entitled “𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿? “She is referring to the term “non-profit” which is a tax reference, that unfortunately grew legs and became a label.
Bibiana Chan responded, “Absolutely. Perhaps a better terminology is ‘For-Purpose’. The Community Flower Studio is a youth-focused charity with a mission to help youth learn life skills and find meaningful employment. Your generous donations are tax-deductible.”
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Download the Return & Earn App onto your phone and nominate ‘Petal-it-Forward’ as the charity campaign for your refund to go. An anonymous sponsor will match the amount donated, so your contribution will be doubled!
Good news!!!
As of 31/1/26, we raised $643.8. A total of $643.8 donation was made by our anonymous sponsor to support our ‘PETAL-IT-FORWARD’ CAMPAIGN.
Your generous donations are much appreciated. The Community Flower Studio is a charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC). Donations of over $2 will receive tax deductions. Please kindly make a donation to the Community Flower Studio (CFS) by direct debit. Our NAB account details are as follows: BSB No.: 082-212, Acc No.: 729-933-729
There are many ways to support CFS: become a member or contribute to the columns here. I’m always looking for a great recipe passed down from generation to generation. If you have a story to share, either write a short piece around 250 words or shoot us some photos. If there is a book or a movie you want to write a review, the CFS e-Newsletter will be happy to share with our e-Newsletter subscribers. Contact Bibi on communityflowerstudio@yahoo.com
If you would like to purchase a DIY Succulent Terrarium Kit for a loved one or a friend as a present, order online here ! This is also a ‘Succulents in Colour-Sand Glass’ DIY Kit which comes with a youth-approved instruction sheet and a QR code to the YouTube clip of previous workshops. Available here. You can also purchase a DIY Flower Kit from our online shop, click Flower Crown
Flower of the Month
Golden Penda
By Bibi
Xanthostemon chrysanthus, commonly known as the Golden Penda, is a stunning Australian native rainforest tree celebrated for its brilliant clusters of golden-yellow flowers. Native to tropical north Queensland, this evergreen tree typically grows to 7 meters tall, though it can be pruned to suit suburban gardens. Its fluffy, firework-like blooms are made up mainly of long golden stamens, creating a spectacular display from late spring through summer. The nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and nectar-feeding birds, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.
Care Instructions
Golden Penda thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, fertile soil. During its establishment phase, regular watering is important to develop a strong root system. Once mature, it becomes moderately drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture during extended dry periods. Applying organic mulch helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature — just keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.
This tree prefers warm, frost-free climates, making it ideal for tropical and coastal regions. Light pruning after flowering encourages a denser canopy and manageable height. A slow-release native fertiliser in spring supports healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
Fun Fact Golden Penda is the official floral emblem of Cairns. Its name often causes confusion — but it’s “Penda,” not “Panda.” “Penda” comes from an Indigenous Australian language of north Queensland and was adopted as the common name for the tree.
The scientific name also tells a story: Xanthostemon comes from Greek (xanthos meaning yellow and stemon meaning stamen), while chrysanthus means golden-flowered — perfectly describing this radiant tropical beauty. It is also known as the First Love Flower, this is very popular plant both in Australia and other countries.
Flowering in late Winter to Spring. The golden yellow flowers attract bees to the garden. Different varieties including a dwarf form Little Goodie (1.5 m) Fairhills Gold (4 m) both are well suited to smaller gardens. Golden Penda can reach 7 m when grown in sunny open space.
Plant of the Month
Dwarf Cavendish Banana
By Bibi
The Dwarf Banana plant is a lush, fast-growing tropical beauty that brings a touch of the rainforest to any garden or courtyard. A compact cultivar of the well-known Cavendish banana, it typically grows to around 1.5–2.5 metres tall — much shorter than standard banana varieties — making it ideal for suburban gardens and even large pots. Its broad, paddle-shaped leaves create an instant statement, adding bold structure and vibrant greenery to outdoor spaces. In warm conditions, it may even reward gardeners with small bunches of sweet bananas.
Care Instructions
Dwarf bananas thrive in full sun and love warmth. Choose a sheltered position protected from strong winds, as their large leaves can tear easily. They prefer rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Regular feeding is important — bananas are heavy feeders — so apply compost or a balanced fertiliser during the growing season (spring and summer).
Water deeply and consistently, especially in hot weather. The soil should remain moist but not waterlogged. Mulching generously helps retain moisture and protect shallow roots. In cooler climates, growth slows in winter; reduce watering and protect from frost, as bananas are sensitive to cold temperatures. If grown in pots, ensure excellent drainage and consider repotting when the plant outgrows its container. New shoots (called “pups”) will appear at the base and can be separated to propagate new plants.
Fun Facts
Despite being called a “tree,” banana plants are technically the world’s largest herb, as their “trunk” is made of tightly layered leaf bases rather than woody tissue.
One of our members creatively uses the large banana leaves as a natural “lining” to decorate serving dishes. The lush green colour provides a striking contrast and instantly elevates food presentation — a beautiful example of blending gardening with everyday creativity.
Lily C. (CFS member) shared, “My aim is to make use of the banana leaves to line my plate when I steam or bake food so it has served its purpose.’
Photo credits Banana pubs, Matured plant.
Decorating your dishes with banana leaf:
For a limited time only, ‘Pregnant Onion’ is available for sale at the CFS Flower Shop.
MOVIE Review by Teresa L.
Sentimental Value directed by Joachim Trier
Movie review: Sentimental Value
I have always loved European movies. They are usually quietly telling a story, with layers of emotions. They are unrushed, so the audience can take their time to immerse in the setting, making a connection to the actors and story.
Sentimental Value, one of the most acclaimed movies of 2025, is one of these movies. Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier produced this comedy-drama revolving around the Borg family, a clan of creatives.
The patriarch is Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård), a renowned movie director and charismatic charmer. He has left the family to pursue his career. There is the 2 daughters Nora (Renate Reinsve), a stage actress with stage anxiety, and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas), a historian who as a child starred in one of her dad’s films.
At their mother’s funeral, Gustav reappears in Nora’s life, offering her to star in his upcoming movie. After Nora turns down the role without reading the script, she is shocked to find out that a famous Hollywood actress Rachel Kemp (Elle Fanning) is set to play the part.
During the preparation to shoot this movie, the family is thrown together and has to confront old traumas. We follow the history of this family, with affection, often reflecting on our own family history. In the movie, the family has tears, confusion and secrets but in the end there is a showing of understanding, reconciliation and shared love.
Trier admirably avoids didactic storytelling, allowing the audience to come to their own conclusions as to how something in the Borgs’ past may impact their present.
All in all, Sentimental Value is the type of crowd pleaser that will probably make you laugh and cry.
Recipe of the Month
Cheesy Zucchini Bread by Nagi Maehashi, Recipe Tin.
Ingredients: two cups shredded zucchini, squeeze out excess moisture); one cup shredded cheddar cheese; one & a half cups almond flour (or all-purpose); a quarter cup green onions (chopped); two eggs; a quarter cup olive oil or melted butter; one tsp baking powder.
Instructions
- Use a standard box grater to grate the zucchini. Measure out 2 cups, place in bowl, sprinkle with salt, use fingers to disperse. Leave for 20 minutes.
- Squeeze handfuls to remove excess water and place zucchini in a bowl. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F (all oven types).
- Butter and line a loaf pan (Note 3)
- Place Dry ingredients in a bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Place Wet Ingredients in a bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Make a well in the centre of the Dry ingredients. Pour in Wet. Mix quickly until flour is incorporated (Note 4).
- Quickly stir through zucchini.
- Spread 1/3 of the batter in the loaf pan. Top with 4 slices of cheese.
- Spread with batter, top with 4 slices of cheese, then finish with remaining batter. Smooth top.
- Bake for 50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Optional: Brush top with a bit of melted butter.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then transfer to rack to cool. Cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
From the Desk of Bibi
Encounters in Intercultural Communication: Creativity, Emotion, and Mental Health
By Dr Bibiana Chan
Growing up in a traditional Chinese cultural environment, I learned early that emotional restraint was considered a virtue. Expressions of strong emotion—whether joy expressed through hearty laughter or sorrow released through tears—were often discouraged. The guiding belief was that composure reflected maturity and stability. Yet, interestingly, while Chinese social norms discouraged overt emotional expression, Chinese artistic traditions—music, poetry, painting—are profoundly emotional, often leaning toward melancholy. Traditional Chinese music, for example, frequently carries a plaintive, longing tone. One might say that emotion, when not permitted to surface through speech, found its way into art.
The great poets of the Tang Dynasty illustrate this paradox. Li Bai (李白), flamboyant and larger-than-life, praised the beauty and grandeur of the world with exuberance. Du Fu (杜甫), in contrast, wrote with deep sorrow and political anguish, chronicling suffering and instability. Their work shows how Chinese culture has long held space for emotional intensity—just not always through direct interpersonal communication.
My own childhood education reflected another facet of Chinese cultural values: discipline through imitation. As a primary and secondary student, I practised Chinese calligraphy diligently. The goal was perfection through copying the master’s stroke by stroke. While this method instilled patience and perseverance, it also left little room for experimentation or self-expression. Curiosity, spontaneity, or trying something new—hallmarks of creativity—were sometimes viewed as rebellious or disruptive. Conformity ensured social harmony, but it could also suppress a young person’s willingness to step outside the comfort zone.
Years later, in an Australian context that prizes individuality and initiative, I realised how cultural values shape perceptions of leadership. For many second-generation migrants, the Chinese virtue of “willingness to compromise for the collective good” can be misread as passivity or a lack of confidence. This tension points to a deeper intercultural communication challenge: behaviours shaped by one cultural system may be interpreted very differently in another.
Read my full article HERE.
Subscriber’s Corner
Reflections on SECNA’s Business4Good Meetup by Teresa L.
On a balmy Sat (21/2) afternoon, I trekked to the quiet end of King St to attend my first SECNA’s Business for Good meeting.
The ladies and gentleman there were truly inspiring and I was in awe, listening to their stories and their WHY behind their ventures.
There are also professionals present who are experienced in this space, who offer help for any new SE entrepreneurs.
The stand out for me is Olivia, who is a psychotherapist with palliative care experience and she is looking how to support the person and the people around. We also talked a bit about grants and Anitra Morgana set us straight about the highly competitiveness and the stringent conditions. Essentially it’s not free money.
I learned lots of new things and it has piped my keen interest in SE.
Lunar New Year Gathering by Janet L.
On the second day of the Year of the Horse in the Lunar Calendar, my husband and I joined a festive celebration hosted by Dr Bibi at the Dougherty Community Centre of the Willoughby Council.
We enjoyed writing auspicious New Year phrases on red paper (huī chūn), including “Good Fortune” (福) and “A Bright Future” (前程似錦). For fun, we also tried our hand at writing the Chinese character “horse” (馬) in oracle bone script. Dr Bibi demonstrated the art of paper-cutting, creating traditional Chinese knot designs from red paper. To conclude the celebration, we shared a selection of festive treats from Bibi’s New Year Candy Box (Quan-He), including crispy sweet dumplings (gok chai).
It was a warm, joyful, and culturally enriching gathering to welcome the new year.
Small Gathering, Deep Connections by Wing C.
CFS offered a traditional Candy Box (Quan-He) filled with childhood favourites, alongside two mindfulness-based creative activities rooted in Chinese culture: calligraphy and paper cutting. To make calligraphy accessible for beginners, I designed a simple “copy book” format — similar to cursive practice books — and provided brushes, ink, and red paper with gold accents, with step-by-step guidance.
Throughout the day, different groups of members and friends dropped in. Read the full articles HERE.
Message from Gauri B.
Thank you so much for sending this! The DIY instructions and the copy book (for Chinese blessings) look wonderful—I can’t wait to show them to my daughter. We’ve already put the “good luck” sign you gave me on the wall. It’s such a thoughtful way to celebrate the Lunar New Year, and I really appreciate you taking the time to share them.
COMMUNITY FLOWER STUDIO LOGO EXPLAINED
Community: CFS is a community to support young people facing mental health challenges.
Creative: CFS hosts events to unleash young people s creative talents.
Resource: CFS provides members with resources to enhance their wellbeing.
Support: CFS offers support to members to develop their potential.
Growth: CFS fosters a growth mindset which is helpful in dealing with challenges.
Recovery: CFS sees recovery as achievable and a journey to cherish.
CONTACT US
Email: Communityflowerstudio@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.communityflowerstudio.org Mobile: 0412 613 073
Like us on Facebook:Community Flower Studio Inc. Instagram: communityflowerstudio
Address: 10-12 Clanwilliam St., Willoughby, 2068, NSW, Australia.